Actor Poonam Pandey will no longer play the role of Ravan’s wife in the upcoming Ramleela play organised annually near the Red Fort in Delhi. The Luv Kush Ramleela Committee said the decision comes after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised objections to the committee’s invitation to the actor.
“This year, the committee invited actor Poonam Pandey to play Mandodari. She agreed, and her consent was met with a variety of reactions from different sections of society. The committee believes that if any situation appears to affect our message and the sentiments of society, it is necessary to consider it seriously,” said Arjun Kumar, President of the Luv Kush Ramleela Committee.
According to him, the committee has worked with commitment to convey the ideals of Lord Ram, his dignity, and the sacred message of the Ramayana to the entire society.
“Our priority is not just staging the play, but respecting the religion, culture, and faith of society,” Kumar added.
Several groups across the country also opposed the decision to invite Poonam Pandey to play Ravan’s wife. Last week, Delhi BJP spokesperson Parveen Shankar Kapoor and VHP leader Surendra Gupta urged the committee in separate letters to reconsider the invitation.